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Welcome traveler!

We're Andre & Lisa, adventurers and experienced budget travelers.

We have over two decades of travel experience and since 2018 have led a full-time nomadic lifestyle.

Learn more about us!

Thank you for visiting and we hope you find value in our destination pages! We thoroughly research and curate all content ourselves and everything you find on this site is put together by only the two of us.

TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE

Country Introduction

Taiwan is a vibrant island nation where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge modernity. Underrated by Western travellers, but as we discovered, those who make it here are in for a real treat. It is no secret why the old name of Taiwan, Formosa, which comes from the Portuguese Ilha Formosa for "beautiful island", was chosen. Nestled in the heart of East Asia, Taiwan boasts an array of breathtaking landscapes, from the lush, mountainous terrains of Taroko National Park and Gorge to the serene, sun-kissed beaches of Kenting. From the bustling metropolitan city of Taipei to the incredible beauty of nature at Yangmingshan National Park, you are sure to enjoy your visit to Taiwan. Top it off with sensational food, traditional festivals, and exuberant temples and you might just think this is the best of all of Asia on one tiny island.

Taiwan's rich cultural tapestry is woven from its indigenous heritage, historic Chinese influences, and contemporary global trends, offering visitors a unique and diverse experience. Beyond its cultural and culinary delights, Taiwan is renowned for its warm hospitality. The friendly locals are always ready to share their rich customs and guide you through their beautiful homeland.

We spent just over a month exploring the north and northeast regions of Taiwan during April and May 2019. As the rainy season was approaching early, we postponed venturing south, but will definitely be back to explore more of this wonderful country.

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Quick Facts

Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) - Current conversion rate here.
Electricity: 110V AC electricity. Power outlets are both flat two-prong sockets (type A) and flat three-prong sockets (type B) which will also accept type A plugs. Be sure to pack a universal travel adaptor so you can still use all your electronic gadgets.
Safety: Most parts of Taiwan are incredibly safe to travel in. Even petty crime rates are fairly low, but pick-pocketing and bag-snatching do occur, especially in locations frequented by tourists, so keep your belongings close. Whatever you do, don’t travel without travel insurance! We would suggest checking out World Nomads or SafetyWing, for travel insurance as they have the best coverage for active travellers.
Natural Disasters: Taiwan is located in the Ring of Fire, which makes the tiny island one of the most earthquake-prone places in the world. There are also risks of typhoons, especially from July to November, and tourists are recommended to refrain from visiting the mountains during these periods.
Language: The official language of Taiwan is Taiwanese Mandarin, which is a variety of Mandarin Chinese. However, the native language of about 70% of the population is Taiwanese Hokkien. Very little English is understood or spoken, particularly outside of the main tourist areas, so it can be a bit of a challenge to get by in most of Taiwan. Be sure to have Google Translate at hand!
Fun Fact: In Taiwan, the number 4 (like the number 13 in America) is considered unlucky!

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Festivals

Taiwan is known for its myriad of festivals and holidays which include traditional and modern ones, those originating in ancient China and the West, aboriginal festivals, farm & temple fairs as well as art and music festivals. Participating in these festivals may prove to be some of your most memorable Taiwan experiences. Here are some of the most noteworthy ones:

Chinese New Year: This is the most important festival of the year and many shops and restaurants remain closed for three days. The best time for visiting and experiencing the atmosphere is the days leading up to the festival as well as the fourth to fifteenth days after when you can enjoy listening to Taiwanese New Year songs. (Jan / Feb)
Ching Ming Festival: Also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day (4 / 5 April), Taiwanese will pay respects at their ancestors' graves.
Buddha's Birthday: Colorful but simple ceremonies are held at Buddhist monasteries that generally consist of washing a statue of the Buddha. Celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th month of the lunar calendar (April / May).
Dragon Boat Festival: This festival honours Qu Yuan, a patriotic official from the state of Chu during the Warring States period of Chinese history who committed suicide by jumping into a river when Chu was conquered by Qin. Dragon boat racing takes place and rice dumplings are traditionally eaten on this 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar (May / June).
Hungry Ghost Festival: This festival runs throughout the 7th month of the Chinese calendar (August). It is believed that the gates of heaven and hell open during this period allowing hungry ghosts to roam freely in the living world. In order to appease the ghosts and prevent misfortune, many Taoists and Buddhists will offer food and burn joss paper. Traditional Chinese performances such as opera and puppet shows are also held to appease these wandering spirits.
Mid-Autumn / Moon Festival: Legend has it that on this day, Chang'e, known as the Moon Goddess of Immortality, fled to the moon and it is believed that the moon shines brightest on this day. The festival is celebrated with many lanterns which are quite a beautiful sight. Mooncakes are also eaten on this day so be sure to try some. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar (Sept / Oct).
Double Ninth Day: This day is also known as Chongyang Festival and is celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. It is a day to respect and remember ancestors.

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SEASONS AT A GLANCE

Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.

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Climate Chart with avergae monthly temperatues and rainfall

BEST TIME TO VISIT TAIWAN

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Taiwan is during Spring and Autumn when the weather is warm and pleasant and it is the shoulder season for tourism which means it’s not that busy.

Spring (March to May) is a beautiful season in Taiwan as the colours bloom in full force. For those who love to hike, this is the best time to visit Taroko National Park, Yangmingshan National Park, the Alishan National Scenic Area, and the Elephant Mountain. The blooming of cherry blossoms, especially in Alishan and Yangmingshan National Park. This season is also great for visiting night markets and exploring the scenic beauty of Sun Moon Lake. Towards the end of May and June, the rainfall starts increasing in frequency. The Dragon Boat Festival also happens in May / June.

Summer (June to August) arrives towards the end of June and the temperatures go up quite a bit, and the rainfall also increases. The weather in Taiwan over these months will be hot and humid, with June being the rainiest month. The weather is slightly more bearable in the northern part of the country. While the weather can be intense, summer is perfect for beach activities in Kenting and exploring Taiwan’s eastern coast. Peak tourist season is considered to be from July to August but it can be incredibly hot and humid during these months, and hotel rates are also higher. The Dragon Boat Festival also happens in May / June. Typhoons are also common during this season, so be sure you check the weather forecast before travelling.

Autumn (September to November) sees the entire country beginning to cool down and despite the occasional shower, there is much less rain during this period. The southern part of the country remains warm, while the north begins to cool down. This is a great time to visit south and east Taiwan, especially Taroko National Park, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan National Scenic Area, the Yushan (Jade Mountain) or exploring tea plantations in Maokong. September celebrates the Birthday of Confucius, and October the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.

Winter (December to February) is considered the low tourist season so this is when to visit Taiwan if you want to travel on a budget, as there will be great discounts all over the country. Depending on where you are, it may be rather wet though. December is the coldest month in Taiwan and it gets rather chilly in the north, but the temperature is still mild compared to European winters. The biggest attraction of this season is the hot springs, in particular, Beitou. There are also amazing mountain retreats at Yangmingshan National Park. The southern beaches will be significantly warmer and drier than the north. The Chinese New Year (December - January) is a wonderful celebration to experience all across the country.

Some additional considerations to keep in mind:

Typhoon Season: Typically from July to September, typhoons can bring heavy rain and strong winds. If you plan to visit during this period, keep an eye on weather forecasts and be flexible with your travel plans.

Festivals: Taiwan hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as the Lantern Festival in February/March, the Mid-Autumn Festival in September/October, and the Double Ten Day in October. These festivals offer unique cultural experiences.

BEST TIME FOR:

Snow Sports

Taiwan offers a unique opportunity for snow sports enthusiasts, particularly during the winter months. The winter season typically occurs from December to February, when Taiwan’s higher elevations receive the most significant snowfall. January is considered the coldest month.

The most renowned location for snow in Taiwan is Hehuanshan, a high mountain area where snowfall is more common and where there was once a ski lift in operation. While skiing and snowboarding facilities are not as prevalent as in other countries, there are areas like Snow Mountain and the Aurora Ski School that cater to winter sports. However, it’s important to note that snowfall in Taiwan is not guaranteed and is usually limited to the highest peaks. Therefore, while there are opportunities for snow sports, they are not as extensive or reliable as in countries with colder climates. Additionally, indoor ski schools like City Ski in Taichung provide opportunities for skiing and snowboarding lessons and experience.

While Taiwan itself has limited opportunities for snow sports, there are several excellent locations in nearby countries that are known for their snow sports facilities, such as:

Japan: Japan is renowned for its snow quality and has numerous ski resorts. Some of the top ones include:

Tomamu in Shimukappu
Kagura in Chubu
Shiga Kogen and Happo One in Nagano
Niseko Ski Resort in Niseko
Rusutsu Resort in Rusutsu
Kiroro Ski Resort in Akaigawa

South Korea: South Korea also has some great ski resorts, such as:

High1 Ski Resort in Jeongseon
Yongpyong Ski Resort in Pyeongchang

Hiking and trekking

Taiwan has some of the most spectacular outdoor activities in the world, varying from stunning coastal walks to high mountain peaks. Taiwan offers a variety of hiking and cycling opportunities that cater to different levels of experience and interest.

NOTEWORTHY HIKES IN TAIWAN:

Taiwan is a hiker’s dream with a staggering 286 mountain peaks above 3000 meters. Some of the best hikes include:

Qixing (Seven Star) Mountain: Located in Taipei City, this hike is known for its wildflowers, butterflies, and excellent views of Taipei.
Wuliaojian Ridge: This adventurous trail is located west of Taipei in Sanxia District.
Holy Ridge in Shei-pa National Park: This world-class route connects Xueshan (Snow Mountain), Taiwan’s second-highest peak, with Dabajianshan, offering breathtaking views from a ridgeline above 3,000 meters.
Mianyue Line Trail in Alishan Forest Recreation Area: This unusual route provides a unique experience along a defunct old logging railway.
Zhuilu Old Trail in Taroko National Park: This trail is renowned for its spectacular views.

NOTEWORTHY CYCLING IN TAIWAN:

Taiwan is often referred to as the “Bicycle Kingdom” due to its extensive bike route network and vast bike manufacturing heritage. Some noteworthy cycling opportunities include:

Taiwan Cycle Route No.1: This is a 968 km bicycle route around the island of Taiwan.
Epic Ride Taiwan: They offer quality, creative, and excellently planned cycling tours in Taiwan.

The best time for these outdoor activities is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and it's not too wet. But always be prepared for some rain!

It's worth noting that the typhoon season in Taiwan usually begins in April and does not end until November. However, typhoons happen most frequently from July to September with the most severe typhoons usually occurring in August and September. Please keep this in mind when planning your outdoor activities in Taiwan.

Best Beaches

Taiwan may not have the best-known beaches in Asia, but there is no shortage of beautiful beaches and warm seawater. Taiwan offers a variety of beautiful beaches, with options ranging from golden sand to unique black volcanic ash shores. Here are a few noteworthy beaches in Taiwan:

Fulong Beach: Located just a short train ride away from Taipei in New Taipei City, this long gorgeous golden-sand strip of beach is a hotspot for many of those in the younger generation. There are many activities that can be done at this beach, such as hopping on a banana boat, jet skiing, and kayaking. It is easily accessible from Taipei, making it a perfect spot for a quick getaway.
Wai’ao Beach: Sitting on the northeastern side of the island in Yilan, Wai’ao Beach is an ideal place for vacationers to visit and experience some of the excellent things that Taiwan is known for. The beach itself is unique because the sand is made from black volcanic ash.
Taimali Beach: If you’re simply talking about beauty, Taimali in Taitung County is one of the best beaches in Taiwan.
Qingshui Cliffs: Located in Hualien County, Qingshui Cliffs offers stunning views and a unique beach experience.

The best time to visit these beaches is anytime from May through October. During the summer the weather is warm and suitable for beach activities and water sports. Watch out for occasional typhoons from June to September.

However, it's advisable to avoid weekends if you're looking for a more tranquil experience. Another thing to note is that swimming is not allowed at all beaches due to strong currents.

Surfing

Taiwan is increasingly recognized as a top surf destination in Asia, offering a variety of spots suitable for different skill levels. The island's East Coast is particularly renowned for its beautiful, wild beaches and consistent waves, making it a paradise for surf enthusiasts. The island provides a variety of surf spots that cater to different skill levels. Here are some of the top surfing spots in Taiwan:

Wushi Harbor, Yilan: This is one of the busiest surf spots in Taiwan due to its convenience to Taipei.
Jialeshui, Kenting: This is one of the most famous longboarding waves for surfing in Taiwan.
Fulong, New Taipei City: Fulong offers a great white sand beach that’s friendly for all.
Jinzun, Taidong: Jinzun harbor has a main spot where many surf competitions are held.
Daxi, Yilan: Daxi is another popular spot in Yilan.

Taiwan has all-year-round surf, with two distinct surf seasons: Winter (October to March) along the east coast and Summer (April to September) along the south coast.

The high season for surfing in Taiwan is from November to March, which starts around the same time as the Taiwan Open of Surfing. During the winter, the Northeastern Monsoon brings in bigger waves and longer wave periods. The east coast can be especially good for more experienced surfers during this time.

Summer is generally calmer, though typhoon swells (normally a couple of days before or after a storm) can produce great conditions. Summer is an ideal time for less experienced surfers. Conditions can be very flat at times, but most surf shops will be able to give you a good idea of when you can still get a good session in.

Remember, the best time of day to surf in Taiwan is generally just after dawn and right before sunset. With its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes, Taiwan provides not just great surfing opportunities but also a rich cultural experience.

Wind Sport

Taiwan is a hidden gem for kitesurfing enthusiasts, beckoning with its mesmerizing kitesurfing spots. Taiwan offers a variety of kitesurfing experiences, with spots around Taipei being particularly notable for their good winds and accessibility to different shores. Here are some of the top kitesurfing locations in Taiwan:

Tainan: Located on the southwestern coast of Taiwan, Tainan offers excellent opportunities for kitesurfing with its long stretches of coastline and favorable wind conditions.
Kenting: Kenting stands out as a premier kitesurfing destination in Taiwan, attracting riders with its consistent winds and crystal-clear waters.
Penghu: Penghu, an archipelago in the South China Sea, is another gem in Taiwan’s kitesurfing crown, renowned for its picturesque scenery and fantastic wind conditions.
Wushih Harbor: Wushih Harbor emerges as a favored spot among kitesurfers seeking a thrilling and challenging riding experience.
Red Beach: near the Danshui River mouth is a popular location.
GuanYin Beach: in Taoyuan is popular among enthusiasts.

The main wind season is during the northeast monsoon season from October to March. However, windy days of 20+ knots are not uncommon during the off-season summer months with the peak kitesurfing season typically running from May to September.

Please note that there is a brief rainy season in late May/June and there are occasional typhoons during July-September which make kitesurfing impossible. So make sure to check out the local conditions and be aware of any typhoon warnings!

For more details on kite surfing in Taiwan expand this section!

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